Volkswagen Multivan (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 124 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,806

£234/month

MOT Pass Rate

65%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2459cc Diesel

Proceed With Caution

65% pass rate, £2,806/year to run. 17 points below average.

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Diesel2459cc28 years old124 tests205k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2459cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,806

Per month£234/mo

Per week£54/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

65% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 17 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Volkswagen brand average of 85%.

65% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Multivans from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 124 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 205,197 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models301st of 325(bottom 8%)

Rank among Volkswagen models1054th of 1,086(bottom 4%)

vs average of all models-17%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average-10%(75% avg)

vs Volkswagen average-20%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

205,197

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Volkswagen Multivan had 205,197 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1999 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 73%, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 65%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Volkswagen Multivan by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2002	61%	38	177,147 mi
2001	67%	43	212,921 mi
2000	71%	58	177,637 mi
1999	73%	107	168,510 mi
1998	65%	124	205,197 mi
1997	63%	87	180,164 mi
1992	53%	47	228,779 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Land Rover Defender

1997 · 2500cc Diesel

£2,606/year

76%

+11%

Land Rover Discovery

1999 · 2487cc Diesel

£2,606/year

75%

+10%

Volvo V70

1999 · 2500cc Diesel

£2,606/year

72%

+7%

Volvo 800 Series

1996 · 2460cc Diesel

£2,606/year

74%

+9%

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About the 1998 Volkswagen Multivan

The 1998 Volkswagen Multivan is a large car. Our records list a 2459cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 124 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 8% of 1998 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 205,197 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volkswagen Multivan owners drive about as much as the UK average.

1998 Volkswagen Multivan Fuel Costs

The 2459cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 1998 Volkswagen Multivan?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,806 (£234/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 65% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Buying a Used 1998 Volkswagen Multivan

At 28 years old, the Volkswagen Multivan is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 205k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 65% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1998 Volkswagen Multivan stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Volkswagen Multivan(1998)	65%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,806
Land Rover Defender(1997)	76%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,606-£200
Land Rover Discovery(1999)	75%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,606-£200
Volvo V70(1999)	72%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,606-£200
Volvo 800 Series(1996)	74%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,606-£200

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1998 Volkswagen Multivan

Is the 1998 Volkswagen Multivan reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 65% of MOT tests on 1998 Volkswagen Multivans ended in a pass, from 124 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 17 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Volkswagen Multivan cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,806 a year (£234 a month): £1,676 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Volkswagen Multivan?

65% of 124 MOT tests on the 1998 Volkswagen Multivan ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 301st of 325 models first registered in 1998 (bottom 8%).

Which year Volkswagen Multivan has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1999 Volkswagen Multivan has the highest MOT pass rate at 73% and the 1998 the lowest at 65%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1998 Volkswagen Multivan?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Volkswagen Multivan is 205,197 miles, which is in line with the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.